Losing belly fat is one of the most difficult thing, especially after having a baby. This fat is easily gained and very difficult to get rid of. The Team at Lose Baby Weight often receive questions of how to lose belly fat after pregnancy. Here are their tips:
Belly Fat Facts
here are two types of abdominal fat, visceral and subcutaneous. Visceral is the fat around the intestinal organs and it is very dangerous. Subcutaneous fat lies under the skin surface and that is the fat that you can see. Visceral fat makes your stomach look bigger which pushes out the subcutaneous fat further, making your tummy look fatter.
However, it is very important to get rid of both the visceral and subcutaneous fat.
Why Do We Gain Belly Fat?
There are numerous factors which can contribute to accumulation of fat around the abdominal area. Here are 5 of them:
1. Hormones
Hormones have a huge impact on your body weight. During pregnancy, the levels of estrogen are reduced and therefore the body stores fat around the abdomen and thighs, preparing the body for breastfeeding.
2. Pregnancy
There are two reasons why women gain fat around the tummy during pregnancy: one, so that the skin can stretch to accommodate the baby, and two, so that the baby is cushioned and protected.
3. Genetics
It has an essential role in when it comes to fat storage. When some people are prone to bigger tummy, it is due to genetics.
4. Stress
Chronic stress is directly related to weight gain. In such condition, the body produces a large amount of cortisol in order to controls the stress levels. High levels of cortisol cause the body to store fat in the abdominal area.
5. Eating the Wrong Foods
Improper diet is another cause of belly fat. If you regularly consume processed food, sugar and soft drinks, than you will certainly gain belly fat.
How to Lose Belly Fat
Belly Fat Loss Tip #1 – Breastfeed
Many new mums have lost weight during breastfeeding. It caused the uterus to return to its normal size, making the belly look smaller.
Belly Fat Loss Tip #2 – Eat The Right Foods
If you start consuming healthy food, you will certainly get rid of the excess belly fat. Avoid processed and junk foods, and other foods that are high in calories and fats. Consume more fruits, vegetables, complex carbohydrates, whole grains and lean proteins. These foods are loaded with vitamins and minerals and will improve your overall health.
Belly Fat Loss Tip #3 – Drink Less Alcohol
Too much alcohol, sugar, and carbonated drinks will make you gain stomach fat. They overburden your liver, making it difficult for you to build muscle mass, and muscle mass is the key to fat loss.
Drinking beer can cause the famous beer belly. Also, low sugar drinks are the worst choice. They are loaded with artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, which can seriously harm your health and lead to headache and migraines. Also, they trigger sugar cravings.
Belly Fat Loss Tip #4 – Exercise Your Whole Body
It is necessary to exercise the whole body, not just specific parts, if you want to successfully lose weight, including the abdominal fat.
Belly Fat Loss Tip #s5 – Weight And Strength Training
Cardio exercises are one of the healthiest and beneficial exercises. For prolonged weight loss, you need to build lean mass. These exercises take the energy from the fat stores. The more you exercise, the more your muscles take energy from these fat stores. And the more lean muscle mass you have, the more calories you’ll burn — even when you’re not exercising.
Belly Fat Loss Tip #6 – Stay Motivated
In order to lose weight successfully, you need to stay motivated. You will have to continue with your weight loss regime, particularly if you are a new mum. Try to track your weight loss and inch loss. As you see the numbers going down, your motivation will increase.
How Can I Burn Off Body Fat?
Belly Fat Burning Tip #1 – Strengthen Your Core
When your core is strengthened, it means that you are able to perform more intensive exercises. The muscles are more balanced and elastic, and the risk of injury is significantly reduced. For instance, you can try pilates or yoga which are the great way to strengthen your core.
Belly Fat Burning Tip #2 – Challenge Yourself
The more you challenge yourself, the more calories you will burn. After each workout you should feel a little achy and you should feel that you have worked out. However, don`t push yourself too hard.
Belly Fat Burning Tip #3 – Be Efficient And Work The Larger Muscle Groups
You should try to exercise the larger muscle groups in order to burn more calories. For example, exercises like push ups, sit ups and squats all work out major muscle groups. So you’ll burn off lots of calories when you perform each exercise. However, exercises such as bicep curls are less efficient, burning off less calories. However, don`t forget to exercise the individual muscles as well.